Technical Design Solutions for Theatre

A Pantograph Moulding Jig

Jeff Dennstaedt

 

Usually, the process of mitering mouldings requires measuring an angle, dividing it by two, and setting a saw to the desired cutting angle. This time-consuming task can be accomplished more quickly and accurately with the shop-built jig shown in Figure 1. This pantograph jig transfers angles by means of a set of interconnected, pivoting arms.

FIGURE 1: THE PANTOGRAPH MOULDING JIG

OPERATION

First, set a bevel gauge at the angle between the walls that are to receive moulding. Then, loosen the wingnut on the jig’s bolt L and spread arms C and D wide enough that the gauge can lie between them. Finally, ...